New Mascot For Amityville School District

AMITYVILLE, NY — After a months-long search for a new mascot, the Amityville Union Free School District has announced that the hawk has been chosen to represent the district.

The hawk, which school officials called "a powerful symbol of strength and courage," replaces the Warriors as the district's mascot after the state ban on Native American names, mascots, and imagery went into effect in 2023.

In November, the school district launched a community survey to gather input on choosing a new mascot. In October, the district dropped a federal lawsuit that sought to keep the name Warriors despite the ban, according to a report by Newsday.

District officials said changing the mascot was a "thoughtful process" that included gathering new mascot ideas and a community forum to discuss the survey results and foster open dialogue about the change.

The district also held several focus groups with various student groups and identified the four most frequently suggested options and presented them for a vote by the high school students.

"I thank our entire school community for participating in this process, as well as Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health, Evan Farkas, for spearheading this effort," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. "While I understand that changing our mascot brings strong emotions for some, I am hopeful that we can move forward together, united in pride for our school community."

The announcement naming the district’s new mascot was shared through a creative video produced by the high school’s broadcasting students, shown at all schools throughout the district via the Amityville Broadcasting Network.

"I thank our broadcasting students for putting in the time and creativity to make our announcement so special," Farkas said.

Students will now vote on the official Hawks logo, which will be shared with the community soon.